Preschool

A Christian Foundation

The mission of St. John’s Lutheran Preschool is to introduce children and families to Jesus by presenting a Christian foundation for all learning activities while providing a ministry to our community. Some of the goals of our Preschool are to teach children respect for others, to nuture the love of Jesus, to master social skills, and generally to prepare preschoolers for kindergarten. Kindergarten readiness is evaluated at the end of the school year, according to these sample categories: recognition of shapes, numbers, colors and sizes; physical coordination;, pre-writing skills; listening skills; math skills; language and pre-reading skills; awareness of his/her surroundings;emotional readiness; and social skills. Curriculum in the Preschool is what happens throughout the day that contributes to the social, emotional, physical, cognitive, and spiritual growth and development of the young child. These subjects are not taught separately, but rather are integrated into the happenings of the entire day, carefully orchestrated and woven together by the teacher as facilitator. Our approach to learning is sometimes called the whole approach to learning. A typical daily schedule might include: Bible Stories and WorshipCircle TimesFree Choice Time Music and MovementArt Health and Snack TimeStory Time Small Group Learning Centers on Language, Math, Science and Social Studies Faith development is the core of the curriculum in a Lutheran preschool. All activities add to the spiritual life of young children. Faith development is more than having an isolated “Jesus time” in the daily schedule. Integrated in the curriculum are experiences that help a child understand God’s love for all people.

Enrollment Process

Enrollment for Fall classes begins February 1st for congregation members, March 1st for past Preschool families, and March 15th for all others (open enrollment). Currently there is one class for children Three or Four Years Old. Eligible children must be three years old on or before August 1st of the upcoming school year. Classes meet on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9am – 11:30am. The children to staff ratio is 12::2 Currently there are two classes for Pre-Kindergarten children. Eligible children must be four years old on or before August 1st of the upcoming school year. Classes meet on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. The morning class is from 8:45am – 11:45am. The afternoon class is from 12:30pm – 3:30pm. The children to staff ratio is 12:2.

Registration Information

The registration process includes a visit, completion of registration forms and payment of the registration fee. The registration fee is $50 and is non-refundable. There is a $25 supply fee for the Three/Four Year Oldclass and a $40 supply fee for the Pre-Kindergarten class due before classes begin in September. For more information or to schedule a visit please contact Diane Gruber at the church office: 440-466-2473.